New Study Finds “Singing” May Help to Reduce Some Parkinson’s Symptoms

An interesting new study out of the Iowa State University in Ames shows that singing may help to improve Parkinson’s symptoms. The pilot study, led by Elizabeth Stegemöller, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the university, looked at the impact of singing on a small group of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Previously Stegemöller conducted studies that indicated singing may improve respiratory control and may help with swallowing problems. 

Although this was a very small study, it does join a growing body of research. In this case, researchers found the singers had “statistically significant improvements in some motor symptoms that are often unaffected by drugs. In particular, upper extremity bradykinesia (slowness of movement), tremor, and walking were most improved.” Now scientists are left with trying to determine how singing is impacting these symptoms. They say it may be due to oxytocin, a hormone often referred to as the love hormone and released during bonding. 

Elizabeth "Birdie" Shirtcliff, an associate professor in human development family studies, explains that, "the singing participants feel positive and less stress in the act of singing with others in the group. This suggests we can look at the bonding hormone, oxytocin."

Another thing the research team is doing is to check the levels of inflammation and neuroplasticity as well as heart rate variability in the subjects after singing. If the study’s results hold true, singing may turn out to be a very cost-effective solution to some of Parkinson’s symptoms. 

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Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323590.php

parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons